Australia continues to resettle people most in need, with more than 18,750 refugee and humanitarian visas granted in 2018-19.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said a total 18,762 places were delivered in the 2018-19 program year.

17,112 visas were granted under the offshore component of the Humanitarian Program, with a continued focus on resettling vulnerable people from protracted and emerging refugee situations.

The onshore component of the Humanitarian Program delivered 1,650 grants.

“Australia has a long history of assisting refugees and is one of the world’s top contributors to refugee resettlement efforts. Since the end of World War II, we have welcomed more than 900,000 refugees and others in need,” Mr Coleman said.

More than 50 per cent (8,660) of all people resettled under the offshore component of the Humanitarian Program were women – the highest proportion on record.

The Government is also supporting humanitarian entrants settle in regional areas by matching new entrants with locations where they have existing family or community links.

“Australia has one of the most substantial refugee and humanitarian programs in the world,” Mr Coleman said.

“On a per capita basis, our program is matched by very few other nations.

Earlier this year, the Government made a decision to maintain the Humanitarian Program at 18,750 places per year for the next four years.

“Our refugee and humanitarian program is carefully managed, reflecting policy decisions of the Australian Government. The Government’s success in restoring secure borders has been fundamental to our successful management of the program.”

A copy of the 2018-19 Humanitarian Report is available here: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/live/humanitarian-program